1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Free rollator (four-wheeled walker) safety checks and basic repairs will be offered at the VCU Health Hub,1330 N. 25th St., Suite A. The event will include tightening brakes, adjusting handles and replacing worn nuts/bolts. Some part replacements (wheels, seats) may be available.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

5:30 p.m.

Learn more about the flexibility of VCU's Evening MBA program at a webinar hosted by the School of Business. This online presentation will provide an overview of program formats (which include online, on-campus, or a blend of both), curriculum and the admissions process. No registration is required – join via the Zoom link at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/85198154191

For more information, contact Evan Torpy at torpyec@vcu.edu or visit https://bulletin.vcu.edu/graduate/school-business/mba-programs/business-administration-mba/.

7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Health Professionals Organization will kick off the new semester with a meeting in Richmond Salons 1, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Plans and goals for the 2025-2026 school year will be discussed.

For more information, contact Dylan Abaidoo at abaidooda@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Alpha Phi Omega and the American Red Cross will host a blood drive in the second-floor ballroom of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. All donors will receive a giveaway, plus a $15 E-Gift card to their merchant of choice. Appointments are recommended. Sign up at the following URL.

For more information, contact Johanna Adams at adamsjc4@vcu.edu or visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=vcu.

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover the various functions within Canvas and in a course shell. Authenticate into zoom meeting using your eID and password. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18529 The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=82041491388 Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services.

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join the VCU Division of Community Engagement for a virtual workshop with community members and partners to share their insights and lived experiences around working with VCU. The Zoom link is vcu.zoom.us/j/82913646047

For more information, contact Verenda Cobbs at s2vkcobb@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu.

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Join PennyAppeal for the group's first event of the semester in Virginia Rooms A-B on the second floor of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Get to know the group, learn basic first aid skills with hands-on practice and make first aid kits to donate to a local elementary school. The first 10 people to arrive will receive a free first aid kit. Can't make it? Join the group on Instagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or RamsConnect to keep up to date on future events.

For more information, contact PennyAppeal at pennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.

Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Race around campus, cracking clues and gathering bragging rights as you outsmart your classmates in the ultimate test of wit. Every contestant who finishes the scavenger hunt, hosted by the College of Humanities and Sciences, will be entered into a raffle for gift cards, tickets and swag. The hunt will start in the STEM Building lobby, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexis Finc at alfinc@vcu.edu or visit https://bit.ly/41juMJP.

Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Calling all transfer heroes. Whether you're arriving from a community college or another university galaxy, VCU Transfer Con is the ultimate welcome event at which you are the main character. Come for a jam-packed event filled with games, power-up stations (food and drink) and an opportunity to connect with fellow transfer crusaders. So gear up and get ready to unlock your full Ram potential. This is your origin story - make it legendary. The event will be in the University Student Commons Richmond Salons III and IV, 907 Floyd Ave. RSVP at the following URL.

For more information, contact Transfer Center at transferinfo@vcu.edu or (804) 827-1349 or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1939592.

Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Jewish Life at VCU will host a Shabbat dinner at 1003 Grove Ave. Meet new friends and connect with your Jewish roots.

For more information, contact Menachem Lessoff at rabbi@vcu.edu or (804) 404-3637 or visit https://jewishvcu.org/.

Tuesday, Sep. 2, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Help create the next edition of SHIFT magazine. Practice sketching, storyboarding and low-fidelity building to co-create concepts for the fourth edition of SHIFT magazine. Learn how prototyping can help to test ideas sooner, gather useful input and make better design decisions. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shift Retail Lab at shiftretail@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/prototyping-Shift-magazine.

Tuesday, Sep. 2, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This course will cover the various assignments configurable in Canvas, as well as an overview of the Canvas quiz engine. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18531 The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=84009666535 Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services.

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Sep. 2, 2025 at noon

The Graduate School will host VCU's Three-Minute Thesis Competition. All graduate students are welcome to participate in this unique event that challenges entrants to explain their research in three minutes using only one static slide. Learn how students can participate in the competition at a virtual informational session. Register on RamsConnect at the following URL.

For more information, contact Erin Brown at embbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1939753.

Tuesday, Sep. 2, 2025 at 2 p.m.

Considering how to expand your assessment tool kit while still meeting the demands of your course? In this interactive session, hosted by LEDStudio, you’ll discover how generative AI can help you redesign assessments that promote critical thinking, creativity and real-world application. Explore innovative assignment types, evaluate authentic examples and collaborate with peers to develop a fresh, AI-enhanced assessment that aligns with your course goals. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cairo Jones at jonesc34@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/FtatogdtT7SeMYTAyZ8LmA.

Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will provide an overview of how to create, edit and manage Kaltura media inside and outside a Canvas course. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18535 The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=81840766456

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research will host a webinar to discuss its Translational Science Pilot Grant funding mechanism. Learn about translational science and how these funds may support your research. Faculty researchers may apply for $25,000 to fund their translational science projects. Applications are due by Saturday, Nov. 1. Register at https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/cYzAn7PWSyCpjZ78GePKnw

For more information, contact Pamela Dillon, Pharm.D., research liaison, at pmdillon@vcu.edu or visit https://cctr.vcu.edu/.

Monday, Sep. 8, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

VCU's Office of Health Initiatives is seeking undergraduate students interested in health sciences or health-related careers to join the Student Advisory Committee. This committee develops student leaders through monthly meetings focused on professional development, community health and the social drivers of health, with special attention to Richmond’s history and its impact on health outcomes. Join us for a virtual information session via Zoom. Sign up to attend through this Google Form link: https://forms.gle/oTi8ork4jzA3JCBC6

For more information, contact Nyvia (Niv-E-Uhh) Taylor at taylornj4@vcu.edu or visit https://healthinitiatives.vcu.edu/.

Tuesday, Sep. 9, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover the various configurations of Canvas Gradebook, as well as how to use Speedgrader within Canvas. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18533 Authenticate into workshop with eID and password. The Zoom link is hhttps://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=81069266326 Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services.

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will provide an overview of how to create, edit and manage Kaltura media inside and outside a Canvas course. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18536. Authenticate into meeting using your eID and password. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=89975807619

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.

Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 from 11 a.m. to noon

This workshop will cover the various configurations of Canvas Gradebook, as well as how to use Speedgrader within Canvas. Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18534 Authenticate into workshop with eID and password. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315?omn=89479731516 Sponsored by Academic Affairs and Technology Services.

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit https://learningsystems.vcu.edu.

Monday, Oct. 6, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Development Institute’s Supervisors and Managers Boot Camp is open for registration. This five-day course is a highly interactive sequence of topics, tips and tools focused on developing leadership skills while increasing knowledge and confidence in solving some of the challenges that come with supervising others. The course will be held at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Questions: Visit http://www.gehli.vcu.edu

For more information, contact Victoria Carter-Johnston at carterjohnsva@vcu.edu or visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/trainings-and-institutes/supervisors-and-managers-bootcamp-smb/.

Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 at 9:40 a.m.

Join VCU and VCU Health at this year’s Heart Walk on Saturday, Oct. 11 to help fight heart disease and stroke. Every step participants take helps fund life-saving research and honors those affected by cardiovascular disease. The walk will begin at Innsbrook North Shore Commons Lawn, 4951 Lake Brook Drive, Glen Allen.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://www2.heart.org/site/TR?company_id=509177&fr_id=12016&pg=company.

Adult beginner lessons are designed for older teens and adults to build fundamental swimming and water safety skills. Participants should be comfortable in the water and will begin learning or improving basic swimming strokes and support techniques in both shallow and deep water. Session 1 runs Sept. 8-Oct. 1. Classes are offered Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-7:55 a.m. or 6-6:55 p.m. Register at the following URL Friday, by Sept 5.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=cf8f4caa-89df-40ea-8176-1f6f14815527&semesterId=ed6b5309-a132-464a-a14c-cade712e1da9.

Want to see your day at VCU at a glance, reserve space, track your meal plan, see your employee pay stub, join a group and receive related notifications and more? VCU Technology has the perfect tool. Download the VCU Mobile app with a new look, feel and functionality, for all things VCU. Download VCU Mobile at the following URL. Questions: Email VCU IT Support Center at itsc@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Gary Garbett at garbettgl@vcu.edu or visit https://mobile.vcu.edu/.

Start achieving your fitness goals through knowledge and strength. A certified personal trainer will teach the foundational methods of resistance training and workout design. Participants start with basic movements in the FitZone at Cary Street Gym to build confidence and progress to the rest of the fitness floor for more advanced exercise. Each week, learn about new equipment and exercises to increase confidence in the weight room. Use strength machines, resistance bands, cable stacks and free weights to build skill and knowledge of proper technique and progressions. This program is open to all students and current RecWell members. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=411621d2-6c5d-4d48-a32f-b4d2a940ac0e.

Embarking on a fitness journey can feel a bit overwhelming, but RecWell’s nationally accredited personal trainers are ready to make that first step exciting and achievable. Learn about the equipment at the Cary Street Gym fitness center (101 S. Linden St.), and how RecWell members work with trainers to develop programs that help them reach their fitness goals. Orientations are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon-1 p.m. at Cary Street Gym. Open to VCU students and members. Register at the following URL. Registration is required.

For more information, contact Abbas Sherazi at fitness@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=d8977fb0-3866-4059-8fca-230ea0d54380.

The public comment period for the draft Working @ VCU: "Great Place" Policy is open from Wednesday, Aug. 20 to Tuesday, Sept. 2. Review the policy and follow the link to leave a public comment here at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sarah LaMorey at lamoreysj@vcu.edu or visit https://policy.vcu.edu/doctract/documentportal/08DDDC2D3AB673A4D9C4794AD8E105FC?slu=08DDDC2D495222D5F30C2B8B9310B8A2.

Are you a Gallup-Certified Clifton Strengths Coach? Have you coached, or are you planning to coach or train teams in CliftonStrengths and are interested in building a VCU Strengths peer community? Join a VCU and VCU Health System community of Gallup-Certified Strengths Coaches. Click on the following URL to join the Google group.

For more information, contact Jenna Lenhardt at jlenhardt@vcu.edu or visit https://groups.google.com/a/vcu.edu/g/vcustrengths/members.

The Wright Regional Center will sponsor a study group for the fall 2025 Society of Clinical Research Associates Certified Clinical Research Professional Certification. The deadline to sign up is Friday. Sept. 26. Space is limited to 15 participants. The fall study group is open to individuals scheduled to take the SOCRA exam before April 1, 2026. SOCRA proof of acceptance to sit for the exam is required for all participants prior to the first session. The study group will meet virtually via Zoom on Tuesdays 1:30–3:30 p.m. over five weeks: Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 and Nov. 11. Contact Catherine Brown - crbrown@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact Catherine Brown at crbrown@vcu.edu or visit https://cctr.vcu.edu/.

The Honors College invites faculty and community partners to participate in its Berglund Seminar and Challenging Conversations series. The purpose of the series is to generate meaningful discussions and debates outside the classroom. If interested in speaking or presenting, contact Anthony Burnham at the following email address or visit the following URL.

For more information, contact Anthony Burnham at burnhamaj@vcu.edu or visit https://honors.vcu.edu/news/berglund-seminar-series/.

A student-centered intercultural agility training is offered through the Student Global Zone Training. Participants will gain a basic understanding of intercultural agility and communication skills by considering how their own cultural experiences and values impact their intercultural agility practices. Students will grapple with real-world scenarios that illustrate intercultural agility in action and identify opportunities for future intercultural engagement at VCU and in the community. Upon completion of this one-hour training, participants will attain a micro-credential digital badge. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kelly Richard at richardkj@vcu.edu or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/faculty/globalzone/.

Are you a VCU student or trainee conducting cancer research? VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center invites undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral trainees to submit an abstract to the 2025 biannual Commonwealth of Virginia Cancer Research Conference, which will be held Nov. 14-15 at the Hilton Short Pump. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Caroline Blair at blaircp@vcu.edu or visit https://web.cvent.com/event/0382dc6b-0821-4b28-8ead-71a26e2c1de8/summary.

The Global Education Office provides a workshop for VCU faculty and staff to explore best practices for working with international students (generally defined as J-1 or F-1 visa holders). This workshop offers knowledge, skills and resources for teaching and supporting VCU’s 1,200-plus international students and scholars. Register for a pre-scheduled session or request a session for your department at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kelly Richard at richardkj@vcu.edu or visit https://global.vcu.edu/students/faculty/globalzone/.

In 2024 the CDC estimated that 287 people died daily from drug overdoses in the United States. An opioid overdose happens when opioids confuse the part of the brain that regulates breathing. Breathing becomes too slow, heart rate decreases and stops. Signs of overdose include difficulty standing, walking, staying awake, very small pupils, cold, clammy skin (even when hot outside), confusion, choking or snoring sounds when breathing. Call 911 immediately. Know where your Naloxone (Narcan) stations are located and be familiar with administration. Follow link for Naloxone stations near you and learn more about Naloxone Training https://healthsafety.vcu.edu/workplace-safety-/occupational-safety/life-safety/ Read the link below to meet with your Wellness Team at 800 W. Broad St.

For more information, contact VCU Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu or visit http://go.vcu.edu/employeewellness.

The Office of the Provost-Faculty Affairs is launching the VCU Faculty Mentoring Program for the 2025-26 academic year. Assistant and associate professors interested in working with a mentor are invited to complete the interest form at the link provided by Friday, Sept. 12. Contact Hope Kelly (kellyh3@vcu.edu) with questions.

For more information, contact Tiffany Freitas at freitast@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/RncRDW9pX8XzWX8L9.

VCU's Global Education Office now offers a student-centered intercultural agility training through the Student Global Zone Training. Participants will gain a basic understanding of intercultural agility and communication skills by considering how their own cultural experiences and values impact their intercultural agility practices. Students will grapple with real-world scenarios that illustrate intercultural agility in action and identify opportunities for future intercultural engagement at VCU and in the community. Upon completion of this one-hour training, participants will attain a micro-credential digital badge. To request this workshop for your class, student organization meeting, or program, fill out the interest form at the following URL.

For more information, contact Kelly Richard at richardkj@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfK5v2Hv5V68BPAO2iKmryQxKUxJIoSmUasCaxSZGgqtOfIpg/viewform.

Recovery Works is an anonymous, multi-pathway peer-support meeting that welcomes VCU staff and faculty, including members of 12-step groups, faith-based groups and other mutual aid groups. The group welcomes people who take medication as part of their recovery and those who do not. Recovery Works has only one purpose, and that is supporting each other on the recovery journey. Recovery Works meets every Friday at noon on the Monroe Park Campus. More information: Contact John Freyer at the following email address or Thomas Bannard at bannardtn@vcu.edu.

For more information, contact John Freyer at jdfreyer@vcu.edu or (804) 774-0606.

Do you want to speak or perform at a TEDxVCU event? Bring new ideas to the forefront and spark public discussion. Faculty, staff, students and members of the community are invited to apply at the following URL.

For more information, contact Justin Raibolt at tedx@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/tYLQQJNh7acMmG8E8.

This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as LGBTQ. We are also inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as cis-gender heterosexual for the control group.

For more information, contact Karen Gorgey at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

The Research on Excessive, Persistent and Emotion-based Actions and Traits (REPEAT) Lab at VCU is conducting a brain-imaging study to understand how decision-making differs between adults with anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder and no history of a psychological disorder. Participants will be compensated for participating in the study. See the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact REPEAT Lab at repeat@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2658 or visit https://tinyurl.com/25wnkh7z.